Tulane University is committed to providing a safe environment in which to teach, perform research, work, study and visit. Because COVID-19 can spread quickly and cause widespread illness and death, the university will implement measures it deems necessary in order to protect faculty, staff, students, contractors (vendors who have a contractual relationship with the university), volunteers and visitors from potential exposure to this disease. The university has established requirements that adhere to current public health practice and city/state guidelines as well as to guidelines that meet or exceed Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommendations relative to COVID-19.
Face coverings must be worn by all faculty, staff and students while inside a university facility or on any university property when in the presence of others (e.g., common workspaces, meeting rooms, etc.). Face masks must also be worn on university transit buses. Appropriate use of face coverings or face masks is critical in minimizing risks to others near you. COVID-19 can be spread to others even if no symptoms are being displayed.
Tulane will provide two cloth face coverings per faculty, staff, and student working or studying in a university facility or on university grounds. Disposable masks will be provided by in various locations throughout campus, should the faculty, staff, or student forget to bring their own. Individuals are responsible for laundering the face covering as necessary, in accordance with the guidance below. Disposable masks must only be worn for one day and then disposed of in the trash. Individuals may provide their own face covering for their personal use.
Exemptions:
Faculty, staff and students traveling to/from sites off campus for work or study are expected to wear a face covering if in a vehicle with other individuals. Once at the work or study site, you should comply with the locale’s requirements for wearing a face covering.
Any contractor (vendors who have a contractual relationship with the university), volunteer, or visitor to the university must wear a face covering while inside a university facility or otherwise inside a building on university grounds or on university property unless they meet the exemptions listed above.
Failure to comply with requirements of this policy may result in disciplinary action in accordance with relevant university policies.
The most common types of masks include:
1. Cloth Face-Coverings: These can be purchased or made at home from cotton or other breathable and washable material. They are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) to slow the spread of COVID-19 by reducing spread of the virus from the wearer to others. They are not intended to provide protection from inhalation of small particles or virus aerosols. According to CDC guidance, an effective cloth face covering will:
More specific guidance can be found here.
2. Medical/Surgical Masks: A loose fitting disposable mask (usually yellow, blue or green) made of several layers of thin fabric and designed to provide protection to others by reducing exposure to the saliva and respiratory secretions of the mask wearer. These masks are not intended to provide protection from inhalation of small particles or virus aerosols.
3. ‘Respirators’ (including N95s): A respirator is a tight-fitted mask designed to reduce inhalation of small, aerosolized particles, including virus particles. Fit-testing is required, and respirators are subject to regulation by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).
Cloth Face Covering
Home-made or commercially manufactured face coverings that are washable and help contain wearer’s respiratory emissions.
Disposable Mask
Commercially manufactured masks that help contain wearer’s respiratory emissions
Intended community use in non-healthcare settings (e.g., office spaces, general research/work settings, shops, community areas) (Also necessary for ingress and egress of facilities.)
A face covering is not required when working alone in an office but is required when in the presence of others. Cloth face coverings may be unsuitable for some work activities involving certain hazards or materials; use disposable masks instead. Contact the University’s Environmental Health & Safety for assistance. Replace daily. These masks are usually reserved for healthcare workers and other approved areas with task-specific hazards determined by EHS. When staff are required to wear these masks for protection, they are considered Personal Protective Equipment and the use is subject to regulation by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration.
Medical-Grade Surgical Mask
FDA-approved masks to protect the wearer from large droplets and splashes; helps contains wearer’s respiratory emissions
N95 Respirator
Provide effective respiratory protection from airborne particles and aerosols; helps contain wearer’s respiratory emissions when no valve is present.
These masks are usually reserved for healthcare workers and other approved areas with task-specific hazards determined by EHS. When staff are required to wear these masks for protection, they are considered Personal Protective Equipment and the use is subject to regulation by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration.
A public health practice designed to limit the spread of infection by requiring sufficient physical space (at least six feet) between individuals.